Saturday, February 9, 2008

WTH? Extra Hill(s) AND a Long Course!? (Christophers Heart Run 5K)

When I looked at the map for the race today, one would assume that once you went down and up the first hill of AP that you exited Waugh, went over and then back.

But nooooooooooooooo...

You went past Waugh, then down again, and about 1/2 way up the next hill, turn around and immediately go back up again. And then of course the other hill was looming.

Yesterday I started having crud in my chest, sneezing and just overall allergy crap I think. So last night I made the decision to do Theraflu and slathering Vicks all over me before tucking in for the night. It didnt seem to bother me much but I knew I had those meds in me. I ate 1/2 orange and had Gatorade before leaving the house and running the 1.2 to the Start. It was much warmer this morning (61) than it was supposed to be (50ish), but I didnt feel much humidity.

For the first time ever I think I ran my first mile in what I wanted to: 9:38 instead of something stupid like -9:20. I knew I had to do it to make sure I could take those hills without too much problem. I havent been hill training and I knew I might have some issues.

But honestly I really didnt. Yeah they slowed me down a bit (especially the last one), but I was alright.

It wasnt till just past the end of the 2 mile mark (this is where the course was long) where I started losing a bit of steam, but I kept finding bits of steam here and there. I knew all along it wasnt a PR day/course but I certainly didnt want to crater. I have to say that this was probably my best 2nd mile ever in a 5K, at least in the way that I felt during it, hills and all.

I had no kick left at the end, but I know I was remaining steady on my pace there at the end which was all I could hope for. I do have to give some credit where credit is due as I had some extra 'encouragement' during the last 1/2 mile or so. Thank you for that.

According to all the heavy hitters, the course was 3.2 or more (I found this out in the last mile), and I decided then to stop my watch at the 3.1 for a 30:53 (sure enough the 3.1 was at the 3 mile marker).

Thats just over what I ran the Texas Med 5K in and that bitch was flat. Plus its just over what I ran my 3 mile time trial at the other day. And I felt ALOT better today than I did that day at the Med Center 5K.

The race was not chip timed, but they did scan your bib, but since the scanner was a good ways past the Finish, I dont like that at all, but whatever. And if stopped running at the Finish, which I did, and walk to the scanner...well that adds to your time.

You know that shit ain't bad (for me) considering the course. I sure as hell will take it. Extra hills and all.

Oh and to the girl that so cheated and turned around somewhere in between the first 2 hills, you suck :o). But I still passed you twice and beat you by about 3-4 minutes. So there.

Instead of doing the bayou (I had had enough of hills for today)...I ran long through downtown adding another 2 miles on, before arriving home giving me 10K for the day.

One thing more...this is an infant race, and they really have a great after race spread for such a small group (about 200 runners maybe)...too bad I had more running to do, or my face might have been in that pizza and fajitas). I will definitely do this one every year.

I've got 3 weeks before the Rodeo Run; this is where I hope to PR. Of course I will also be hoping for that ever elusive sub 30.

Good race. You'll break 30 next time. The Rodeo Run is a great opportunity to PR.

As far the distance of the race, I hate to tell you that it is actually 5K, not 3.2 miles. The course is certified by the Gulf Coast Association of USA Track and Field. Garmin's are pretty accurate, but not 100%. Also, in races, if you don't run the turns correctly (ie. run through the tangents), then you can add distance to "your" race. But the the course is still correct. I think those two things could explain why you had 3.2 on your watch. It would also explain the discrepancies you've mentioned before about other races.

Anon: I would of course agree to that, as I know sometimes to weave in and out adds on, however, first off I didnt in this case, as there was really no one to weave in and out from. Second of all, it wasnt just me. Everyone I knew said it was long. The second mile in particular.

Congrats on the run, and esp on supporting a worthy cause. But why trust that untrustworthy shackle on your arm; the Garmin isn't accurate enough to question a USATF sactioned course!!! June, girl, you're a slave to technology .... BREAK FREE! A Garmin could be 97% accurate and end up thinking a 3.1 mile route was 3.2 miles; 97% is a good day for a Garmin. Remember those bridges that we all hate...they threw off your Garmin and did the same to others. You want that PR at the Rodeo Run to be when you "break the tape", not when your shackle purrs and whistles it's misguided electronic approvement of an estimated route approved by orbiting sentinels miles above in the heavens!!! I'm gonna hate on your Garmin 'till you set yourself free!!! :)

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I am not a dietician, nutritionist, coach, doctor or anything of the sort. Nor do I play one on TV. Just a older female, active, single, successful in career (but not in love) who is wanting to write about topics I cannot seem to find real women on the interwebz to consort with!

What I am is a tried and true runner, and now a lot older...who has struggled with body image issues, low self esteem, getting older, becoming a runner, overcoming injuries from running, overcoming hypothyroidism and substance abuse and all that that entails.

I have learned the hard way on what works and doesn't work for me when it comes to clean living and clean eating (with occasional splurges of course!), running and just being healthier. I welcome all readers

Every BODY is different, but hopefully some of what I have been through can help someone...or at the very least give you a bright spot in your day when I choose to be my witty self....